I received an e-mail the other day from the American Welding Society that had this video embedded in it. The AWS is increasing their role in education by partnering up with schools, the big problem being that working with the AWS is rather expensive, especially since welding programs are expensive to run and most don't have enough money to begin with. My boss and I were talking about that very issue the other day. Company membership dues, required materials, testing site certification - lots of money up front and on an annual basis. Individual dues are up to $80.00 per year now. The Society is offering online training programs but these too are pretty salty - the one for welding symbols is $300.00.
The video mentions certifications, "stackable" credentials and education programs but, unfortunately, I see all of this limited by the cost involved, at least for high schools and junior colleges. The State of Indiana was moving towards the AWS SENSE program for vocational classes my last year at the high school but I think they've gone away from that because of the money issue. It's a shame, but most high schools are not going to be able to buy stainless, aluminum and all the carbon steel required for the program or have all the equipment to perform the required welds with MIG, TIG, stick, flux core, oxy-fuel and air arc cutting. Just changing from carbon steel to stainless and aluminum with the MIG requires different liners and three different shielding gases.
If you watch the video, and I suggest you do, you'll be impressed with what the AWS is planning for the future of the Society. However, in society at large, it's going to be tough to accomplish without an influx of cash to the public schools. At least it'll provide school administrators another opportunity to use their fall back mantra: "I'd like to help you, but there's just no money". Much as it pains me to say it, in this case, I'm sure that's true.
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